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Frolic Records was a small, independent record label based in Beaumont, Texas, during the 1960s. It played a significant role in the early career of the legendary blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter.
Johnny Winter's Early Recordings
Frolic Records released several of Winter's early singles, showcasing his raw talent and unique style. These recordings, characterized by his blistering guitar work and soulful vocals, helped establish Winter as a rising star in the Texas music scene. Some of the notable singles released by Frolic Records include:
"Gangster of Love"/"Eternally" (1963): This single was later picked up for national distribution by Atlantic Records.
"Gone for Bad"/"I Won't Believe It" (1963): This single was licensed by MGM Records in 1965.
Legacy
While Frolic Records may not have been a major label, its contribution to the early career of Johnny Winter is undeniable. These early recordings, often considered collector's items, offer a glimpse into the raw talent and potential of a young guitarist who would go on to become a blues-rock icon.
Ken Ritter, known for his work with Frolic and KRCo , initially started with Comet Records but soon moved to Thrill Records , founded in early 1959, focusing on rockabilly music. Early on, Ritter was cautious about production, pressing only a few dozen records at a time, maybe 100 at most. He would personally consign these singles in Beaumont, Texas record stores and follow up weekly to monitor sales. Over time, Thrill Records released five singles, including one by Gene Terry .
Ritter experimented with several label names before settling on Frolic Records , with notable singles released under each. His labels included Comet (the first), Thrill , KRCo , and finally Frolic . KRCo ( Ken Ritter Company ) even produced a hit single by Lou Smith . Ken regularly collaborated with Johnny Winter and his bands, given their availability and eagerness to work. By 1959, Johnny was motivated and focused on any opportunity to get “discovered,” driven to gain both writing and performance credits.
One significant release, likely from August 1959 , highlights Johnny Winter’s early dedication. On this single, he received both writing and performance credits. The B-side is an instrumental, credited solely to Johnny Winter as writer and performer, as Jerry Jones was the vocalist on the A-side, making this Johnny’s first official release . Following this in 1959 were Andy Charles and the Blues Kings in November, Burl Boykin in October (recording-wise), and Ronnie Bennett in December, making this likely the first record Johnny Winter performed on.
Blues, 1960s Texas Pop
JOHNNY WINTER
FROLIC 45-501 FR 10021
Frolic RECORDS
THAT'S WHAT LOVE DOES
J. Winter
Beau-Tex
BMI
FR 10021
45-501
Time: 2:20
JOHNNY WINTER
Doo-Wop, 1960s Texas Pop
JOHNNY WINTER
FROLIC 45-501 FR 1001
Frolic RECORDS
SHED SO MANY TEARS
Shelia - Anderson
Golden State
BMI
FR 1001
45-501
Time: 2:24
JOHNNY WINTER
1960s Texas Pop
NINA WILLIAMS
Frolic 45-502 FR 1003-A
Frolic RECORDS
45 R.P.M.
45-502
FR 1003-A
Beau-Tex
BMI
Time 2:15
DREAMING OF YOU
M. Conley
NINA WILLIAMS
Description: White Label D.J. Copy
Collector Notes: Johnny Winter’s "Voodoo Twist" / "Ease My Pain" single, recorded around 1960-61 at Bill Hall Studios in Beaumont, Texas, stands as a noteworthy piece from his early career, capturing the budding blues-rock artist’s creative energy. "Voodoo Twist" became a local hit, receiving significant airplay and attention in the Beaumont area, as Winter’s catchy twist-driven sound resonated with listeners. The track highlights Johnny’s flair for blending rhythm and blues with the popular twist style of the time, marking a distinctive moment in his early discography.
The single’s production involved Ken Ritter , younger brother of Texas country icon Tex Ritter, who may have also served as Johnny’s agent and was instrumental in getting *"Voodoo Twist"* recorded and promoted. During this period, Johnny looked to Ritter for guidance and assistance in securing paying gigs, an essential part of any musician’s early journey. The B-side, *"Ease My Pain,"* complements the A-side with a deeper, bluesier tone, showcasing Johnny’s ability to convey raw emotion even in his early recordings.
For collectors, this single represents an invaluable slice of Texas music history, capturing Johnny Winter’s first foray into regional success. Its local popularity and ties to notable figures like Ken Ritter make it a rare and intriguing find for anyone following the evolution of Winter’s legendary career.
1960s Texas Pop
JOHNNY WINTER
FROLIC 45-503 FR-1004
VOODOO TWIST
Johnny Winter
FROLIC
45-503
FR-1004
Time: 2:15
Beau-Tex
Cape Ann
BMI
D. J. Copy
JOHNNY WINTER
Nationally Distributed by:
Jay-Gee Record Co., Inc.
Blues, 1960s Texas Pop
JOHNNY WINTER
FROLIC 45-503 FR-1005
EASE MY PAIN
Johnny Winter
FROLIC
45-503
FR-1005
Time: 3:02
Beau-Tex
Cape Ann
BMI
D. J. Copy
JOHNNY WINTER
Nationally Distributed by:
Jay-Gee Record Co., Inc.
Description: Jerry "Count" Jackson (real-name: Jerry Wayne Lacroix) was a key member of Edgar Winter's band, White Trash. While Winter served as the primary lead vocalist, Jackson contributed significantly as a saxophonist and harmonica player. Additionally, he shared vocal duties with Winter on some songs, adding depth and character to their music. Their collaboration during Winter's early career helped establish them as a rising force in the blues-rock scene.
The "Falling in Love" / "Come Back Baby" single is an original recording from Johnny Winter featuring Jerry "Count" Jackson (Jerry LaCroix) on vocals, with production and arrangement by none other than Edgar Winter . This release, published by Beau-Tex Conrad , represents a significant collaboration between Johnny and Edgar, blending their talents with Jerry LaCroix’s powerful voice, which would later be a staple in Texas blues and rock circles.
This original recording gained wider exposure when it was later released on the Vee-Jay label , extending its reach beyond Texas and cementing its place in Johnny Winter’s early discography. For collectors, this single is a prized find, capturing a powerful collaboration among these early Texas legends and marking an important step in Johnny Winter’s rise within the blues and rock scene.
Soul, Jazz, 1960s Texas Pop
JERRY "COUNT" JACKSON
FROLIC 45-505 FR-1006
COME BACK BABY
Winter - Reeder - LaCroix
FROLIC
45-505
Beau-Tex
BMI - 2:08
FR-1006
A Winter-Reeder Production
Arranged By: Edgar Winter
A & R
JERRY "COUNT" JACKSON
Doo-Wop, Soul, 1960s Texas Pop
JERRY "COUNT" JACKSON
FROLIC 45-505 FR-1009
FALLING IN LOVE
Johnny Watson
FROLIC
45-505
BMI - 2:10
FR-1009
A Winter-Reed Production
Arranged By: Edgar Winter
A & R
JERRY "COUNT" JACKSON
Description: Jr Cole was a singer from Beaumont, Texas, known for his collaboration with guitarist Johnny Winter in the early 1960s. His music, released on Jin Records, featured tracks like "I Won't Cry" and "Coming Home," both backed by Winter's band. These songs, written by Edgar Winter, are examples of Texas Pop Music from that era. On Jin records his name has been spelled as "Junior Cole" and was supported by Johnny Winter's Band . Johnny does not play on this song. One of the backing vocal singers was Jane Ann Straughn Quevedo.
Soul, Doo-Wop, 1960s Texas Pop
JR. Cole And The Crescents
FROLIC 45-506 FR-1010
NOT GUILTY NOW E. Winter - L. Ashworth
FROLIC
45-506
Beau-Tex
BMI - 2:20
FR-1010
Arranged By: Edgar Winter
Produced By: Ken Ritter
JR. COLE
and The CRESCENTS
Collector Notes: Junior (JR) Cole and Johnny Winter's Band , Written by Edgar Winter. Both Johnny and Edgar Winter perform on this song
Soul, Doo-Wop, 1960s Texas Pop
JR. Cole And The Crescents
FROLIC 45-506 FR-1011
GO ON
E. Winter - P. Johnston
FROLIC
45-506
Beau-Tex
BMI - 2:01
FR-1011
Arranged By: Edgar Winter
Produced By: Ken Ritter
JR. COLE
and The CRESCENTS
1960s Texas Pop
JAY JAY JOHNSON And The AMOS BOYTON ORCHESTRA
FROLIC 45-507 1012
PLEASE FORGIVE ME
(Joseph August)
FROLIC
Lion Pub
BMI - 2:08
45-507
1012
Produced by Ken Ritter
JAY JAY JOHNSON
and the
AMOS BOYNTON ORCHESTRA
1960s Texas Pop
JAY JAY JOHNSON And The AMOS BOYTON ORCHESTRA
FROLIC 45-507 1013
FANNIE MAE
(B. Brown)
FROLIC
Fiji Music
BMI - 2:05
45-507
1013
Produced by Ken Ritter
JAY JAY JOHNSON
and the
AMOS BOYNTON ORCHESTRA
Collector Notes: The "Onion Rings" / "New Okie Dokie Stomp" single by Amos Boynton and the ABC's is a rare gem from the early 1960s Texas music scene. Produced by Ken Ritter at Bill Hall's Studio in Beaumont, this recording captures the dynamic energy and raw sound of the time. Amos Boynton, the driving force on drums, delivers a rhythmic backbone that lends both tracks a powerful groove, reflecting the upbeat, experimental spirit that defined regional music of the era.
The engineering for this session was handled by either Jack Clement during the day or Bobby Mizzell in the evening—both respected names in the industry, known for their technical skill and contributions to Texas recording history. "Onion Rings" delivers a lively, catchy tune that showcases the band’s ability to fuse rhythm and blues with a touch of rock and roll. The B-side, "New Okie Dokie Stomp," is a fresh take on a classic, featuring tight rhythms and inventive arrangement that highlight Boynton’s drumming prowess.
This single is a rare piece of Texas music history, encapsulating the collaborative energy at Bill Hall’s Studio and the early careers of musicians like Boynton, Ritter, and Clement. For collectors, it represents an authentic slice of 1960s Beaumont sound, a must-have for anyone interested in the roots of Texas rock and blues.
Blues
Amos Boynton and The ABC's
Frolic 45-508 1014
NEW OKIE DOKIE STOMP Pluma Davis
Amos Boynton and The ABC's FROLIC
45-508
Lion Pub.
BMI - 206
1014
Produced by Ken Ritter
Blues
Amos Boynton and The ABC's
Frolic 45-508 1015
ONION RINGS
John Lee Hopkins
Amos Boynton and The ABC's
FROLIC
45-508
Beau-Tex
BMI - 204
1015
Produced by Ken Ritter
By late spring of 1964, Johnny Winter’s FROLIC Records single, "Eternally" / "Gangster of Love," had made a significant splash in the local Houston music scene. The single became a local hit, partially due to the unique role Garner State Park played in promoting up-and-coming music. Steve Highfield notably contributed to this success by relentlessly feeding dimes into the jukebox at the park, replaying the single until it gained traction. Garner State Park, known as a testing ground for regional hits, was frequently monitored by Houston DJs looking for fresh material to introduce to the city’s airwaves. This approach worked well, as Johnny's single garnered enough attention to later earn a re-release on ATLANTIC RECORDS .
By mid-summer of 1964, Highfield's own single, "Avoid Me," also found a place on the Garner State Park jukebox, enjoying a brief period of popularity among park visitors. Johnny Winter’s "Eternally" ultimately made its way onto the "Memories of Garner State Park" compilation, cementing its place as a part of local Texas music lore.
This record, both in its initial Frolic release and its Atlantic reissue, represents a pivotal moment in Winter's career and in the Houston music market. For collectors, it is a true piece of Texas music history, capturing the innovative, grassroots approach that artists and DJs used to gauge—and even create—regional hits in the 1960s.
Soul, Rhythm & Blues
Johnny Winter
FROLIC RECORDS 45-1016
GANGSTER OF LOVE
(Johnny Watson)
FROLIC RECORDS
Andrea Music
BMI - 2:25
509
45-1016
Produced by Ken Ritter
JOHNNY WINTER
Soul, Rhythm & Blues
Johnny Winter
FROLIC RECORD 45-1017
ETERNALLY
(Johnny Winter)
FROLIC RECORDS
Beau-Tex Music
BMI - 2:35
509
45-1017
Produced by Ken Ritter
JOHNNY WINTER
Description: Steve Highfield also has releases on the PARSIM Record Label, further showcasing his versatility and broad appeal in the music industry. See them here
Collector Notes: The "Avoid Me" / "I've Gotta Cry" single by Steve Highfield and Johnny Winter is a rare gem, recorded in April 1964 in Johnny Winter’s hometown of Beaumont, Texas. This record not only highlights Johnny’s guitar work but also his involvement in the vocal arrangement, harmonizing alongside his band members. The call-and-response structure of "Avoid Me," with Johnny’s band singing the title line immediately after Highfield’s lead, gives the track a unique and layered sound. Johnny’s guitar rhythm on this track is influenced by the style of Burt Bacharach , adding a smooth, melodic feel to the otherwise bluesy framework.
The B-side, "I’ve Gotta Cry," features an overdubbed vocal trio—a group of college girls who returned to the studio a week after the initial recording to add a classic early 60s, choir-like “doo-oo-oo-oo... ah.h.h..h” background. This addition lends "I’ve Gotta Cry" a vintage, nostalgic feel, blending seamlessly with Johnny’s guitar and Highfield’s vocals to create an evocative soundscape that captures the early 60s vibe.
This single is a highly collectible piece for fans of Johnny Winter’s early work, demonstrating his versatility as both a guitarist and a collaborator in arrangements. Its rare, vintage sound and unique recording history make it a prized artifact within the Texas music scene and among early Johnny Winter collectors.
Doo-Wop, 1960s Texas Pop
STEVE HIGHFIELD AND The Liverpool Five
FROLIC 510 TD-0C-14
AVOID ME
Parkinson - Ames
FROLIC RECORDS
STEVE HIGHFIELD
AND
The Liverpool Five
TONDELAY PRODUCTION
Clarity Music
Beau-Tex Music
BMI
510
TD-0C-14
Time: 2:14
Doo-Wop, 1960s Texas Pop
STEVE HIGHFIELD AND The Liverpool Five
FROLIC 510 TD-0C-15
I'VE GOTTA CRY
Scott - Mathias - Ames
FROLIC RECORDS
STEVE HIGHFIELD
AND
The Liverpool Five
TONDELAYA PRODUCTION
Clarity Music
Crazy Cajun
BMI
510
TD-0C-15
Time: 2:12
1960s Texas Pop
TONY KEYS
FROlIC 45-1018
DON'T WORRY 'BOUT ME
(M. Robbins)
FROLIC
Vocal Marissa Music
BMI - 2:59
511
45-1018
Produced by Ken Ritter
TONY KEYS
1960s Texas Pop
TONY KEYS
FROLIC 45-1019
YOUR LOVE
(J. Keys)
FROLIC
Vocal Beau-Tex Music
BMI - 2:14
511
45-1019
Produced by Ken Ritter
TONY KEYS
1960s Texas Pop
JOHNNY WINTER
FROLIC 45-1020
I WON'T BELIEVE IT
(Mizell & Graham)
FROLIC
Dixlanna
BMI - 2:18
512
45-1020
Produced by Ken Ritter
JOHNNY WINTER
1960s Texas Pop
JOHNNY WINTER
FROLIC 45-1021
GONE FOR BAD
(Winter & Ames)
FROLIC
Beau-Tex
BMI - 2:15
512
45-1021
Produced by Ken Ritter
JOHNNY WINTER